Advances in needle-based interventions for chronic neuropathic pain

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pain Management
• Neurology

Background:

• Chronic neuropathic pain is difficult to treat due to complex causes and limited drug effectiveness.
• Needle-based interventions present a minimally invasive alternative with pain relief and nerve repair potential.
• A comprehensive review synthesizing needle intervention technology and clinical use for neuropathic pain is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize research on needle-based interventions for chronic neuropathic pain.
• To categorize needle devices and analyze their properties, mechanisms, and efficacy.
• To evaluate challenges and future prospects for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of needle-based interventions for chronic neuropathic pain.
• Categorization of devices into single needles and needle arrays.
• Analysis of material properties, fabrication, therapeutic mechanisms, and clinical efficacy.

Main Results:

• Needle-based interventions show promise for various neuropathic pain conditions, including sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathy.
• Both single needles and needle arrays are explored, with varying material properties and fabrication methods.
• The review analyzes therapeutic mechanisms and clinical efficacy, highlighting dual analgesic and neurorestorative capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Needle-based interventions are a viable and promising therapeutic strategy for chronic neuropathic pain.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome existing challenges and accelerate clinical translation.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview to guide future advancements in the field.